5/9 update - I had a discussion w/Markno999 about some of his ideas. As a result I created some maps on the organ, and I have to agree the drums had "issues..." 

I made a lot of changes to the drums? I don't know if they are better, I think they are. They are definitely different. 

I think 5 is enough so I'm probably done either way, unless something in this mix just makes someone I respect want to wretch. 

Again, big thanks to all who contributed. Mixing is my weakest link.

And... That would be the sound of someone I respect wretching... I may need to phone a friend. More later.

Hey, Robby,
 
I missed the first few mixes of this, but I really like this (Mix #5) of this very ambitious project.
 
Excellent performance on all of the instruments, I think the B3 sounds really good on this version, and the vocals and layered harmonies are absolutely stellar.  Especially impressive when everything kicks in at around the 2:30 mark.
 
You can really tell that you put a ton of work into this, nice job, buddy!
Bob

Ooops, sorry I missed this awesome vintage magic.

This is vintage-vinyl sounding but with all the dissonance of psychedelia sweetly piling up.

(I don't know the 'original' ... my thoughts are invalid.  Also, this is the 1st cover of CS&N I've ever heard attempted on the Sonar forum.  WOW!)

"Who do you love":  Why, the numerous exquisite vox textures I love the most.  I've never heard so many vox textures ... none of which are fx-screw'd, telephoned, etc.  This is a 'real Robby' texturing the sound-scapes.  CS&N were back there with puff-the-magic drago.

Now, if I could just steal your awesome vox and warp it into the 80's, 90's, and beyond ... but alas: You are a country master attempting great exploits of yesteryear.

markno999


Robby,
 
Quite an ambitious undertaking.   Vocal performances are spot on.   Overall it is pretty good but some of the levels are off to me.  I think the LV
is too low and disappears in a few spots, some of the harmonies are too loud.  The organ is a bit too loud, in a few spots when it gets more percussive it really pops out too far.  I like the sound of the organ and the performace is good, it seems to be too forward in the mix though.  Drums could come up a bit too.   I would put the drums in a much smaller space for a vocal centric song like this, there is a bit too much reverb.   Guitar sounds good.  Bass could use a bit of 2-4k boost to help it pop through.
 
 
BGV could be layered a bit more.   I would double all the BGV tracks, HPF a little bit higher on the copy and push 5k a bit and mix in to blend with the original.  That would give it some more depth and clarity.  Make sure you run all the BGV through the same bus to give them the same spacial feel.  Something like this I would mix all the vocal levels first and then bring the instruments up, drums last... 
 
Well done though, very enjoyable listen.  Wish I could sing half as good as you do...
 
Regards

Mark, thanks for hanging with me since the ideation phase of this one! You're input was invaluable!!

foxwolfen


Cool song and great performance, Robby. As mentioned there are some mix issues. To me it sounds like many of the levels are too high and you are clipping, but the song is not very loud. I also hear compressor pumping or something very much like it(when the drums kick it up, they actually get softer).

Shad, thanks for your help with the mix, you and many others were right on. It's still not up there with the mix masters, but I'm satisfied with it now. And one can only work on one of these beasts for so many weeks :-) It's time to rest up and enjoy the weekend, and maybe contemplate a new project next week. But that will take a month minimum, so in the mean time I'll be enjoying others.

Well that makes me feel good! :-) I worked on it for like a week solid, hours a day? The drums had James Y "wreching..." I sent him the midi? And after he stopped his projectile vomiting, he began to beat me about the snare and dynamics... He's still not happy because my drumer is on speed and coke? But I had to edit every note (no loops) to fix my dynamics, and I took "a few" of the busy notes out. Then rebounced everything (drums) changed the FX, compression, eq, pan, etc... The main thing I learned from this project is to try not to rush the mix. My weakest thing is to spend 3 or 4 weeks tracking and 3 or 4 hours mixing. I'm trying to learn to listen to each part, and carve things out, learn how to use the compressors better, etc... It's the hardest thing, but I'm really glad you think it's better (otherwise I was ready for supuku...)

Haven't been back to this for the last 10 days Robby, but the latest mix sounds 100% better than the one I heard on 7th May. It's actually got a 'Can't Buy a Thrill' vibe to it now..if that makes any sense.

Lynn


You chose an ambitious song to cover, but you did fairly well.  The vocals are quite good, and the lead vox has the Steven Stills vocal down.  Besides some of the other issues mentioned above, the overall level was very low on my system.  However, with a little bit of adjustment, this will definitely shine.

Lynnsanity, thanks very much. There was no small amount of adjustment needed! LOL! Probably still needs some but it becomes a neurosis beyond a certain point. :-)

I missed the earlier versions, but this sounds pretty good.
Yeah, maybe a little "smothered", but it's an authentic sound.
If I didn't know better, I would have thought that was Stills singing.
I've always liked this tune, and you did a fine performance.

notnat


I agree, the mix needs some work, but the performances are expert... I haven't heard this tune in many years... always loved CSN, and I think they would love to hear this...
Great work on a very ambitious project...

 
Thanks Frank, it's one of my favorites by them. Some other deep cuts too, Shadow Captain is incredible, that would have been even more of a hill to climb.

bapu


Robby,

Great job.

Balance between lead and back vox seem off. I'd raise the BGV 1.5-2db.

Overall the track seems "dry". Now if you're going for the classic sound I'd say you've got it. But if it were me I'd make it sound 2012 by making the drums brighter and giving the instruments some sparkle.

Thanks Bapu! (us bass players need to stick together ;-)

jamesyoyo


I think there are great performances here, but honestly the mix is so distracting I can't get my arms around it.

It needs some glue.

James, your controbution was invaluable. Made me redo the drums? Pulled some of my hair out (and I don't have much...) But still, I really appreciate it. You shall be rewarded for your good deeds.

BenMMusTech


More country, I can't believe so much country.

Nice vocals, Nice playing.

The mix lacks punch and clarity.

I'd start with the drums, they need the most work, the bass is almost coming through but lacks a bit of depth.

The guitar is a bit milky, the vocals though you have them nailed.

Yea I'm getting no kick and the snare sounds like it has too much top end taken off.

I need more information on how the drums were recorded and mixed and I might be able to help.

Neb 

Mmmm Milk :-) Yes, mixing "my other soft white underbelly" :-( Thanks Ben!

Hey Robby
I think you have enough advice on the mix so I'll just enjoyed the performance. GREAT. . . job on the B3.  WOW. . . the lead vocal and harmonies alone had to be a monster to mix on this piece. They sit perfect in the mix with a classic verb/delay space giving it that 60's-70's time period vibe.
On my third listen and again I must give you KUDOS on the vox/harmonies and they way they sit in the mix. GREAT job!

Kev